The ramblings of a pilgrim through time, space, and life.

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78

I was reading in section 78 tonight and thought I would share some of what I thought with you.

“Behold, this is the preparation wherewith I prepare you, and the foundation wherewith I prepare you, and the ensample which I give unto you, whereby you may accomplish the commandments which are given you; That through my providence, notwithstanding the tribulation which shall descend upon you, that the church may stand independent above all other creatures beneath the celestial world” (D&C 78:13-14).

This scripture was given in relation to the commandment that the leading bodies of the church sit in council with the church. That they be not turned away by Satan. I don’t know if it is meant to be the church or the leaders, I suppose it would be both. It is then through that counseling that they are to make a covenant which is not to be broken. The covenant of brotherhood and fellowship is to be that bond.

The Lord makes it clear that this sitting in counsel and the bond made is the preparation and the foundation for keeping the commandments. What is more, it is to help us stand strong and independent, even amidst tribulation. What a fascinating idea! That we cannot stand alone, but have to stand as a collective body, and then by standing together, we stand independent. What a twisted fashion the world plays on the Lord’s way.

Accordingly, if we are weak and not feeling independent, we may instantly know our issue. We are not sitting in council with the Saints (and the Lord’s Spirit who better be in those councils) and forming those bonds of fellowship. That obviously applies in our families. If our families are failing, we are not meeting in council and forming that bond. Then that extends to the church and on outward.

Then the interesting counsel from the Lord, “ye are little children, and ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands and prepared for you; and ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours” (D&C 78:17-18).

It is almost like he is saying, “trust me and do these things and oh, then have I got some goodies for you!” But the kicker comes in, or even the catch; “And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more” (D&C 78:19).

So the key to it all, that which really makes this process work is the thankfulness. You can be as friendly and fellowshipping as you want. You can be as covenanting and bonding one to another as you want. But to make it of really much value, you have to be grateful.

As for Uncle, he probably has his rewards awaiting him. But to be glorious, which I hope is our desire, celestial in fact; we have to be thankful.

Or the sad corollary, “And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things (thankful and grateful), and obey not his commandments” (D&C 59:21).